Please Note: All work for this position will be done remotely for the duration of the global health crisis. Once government restrictions are lifted and office conditions are confirmed to be safe, the Communications Officer III will work at Solidarity Center’s Washington, DC headquarters.

Anticipated Start Date: September 27

Deadline for Application: Until Filled

Summary

Solidarity Center seeks a disciplined self-starter for the role of Communications Officer III to manage content on its web site. This includes drafting, editing, formatting, and posting web stories and other information, maximizing social media sharing of web content. The Communications Officer will draft, edit, proofread, and disseminate reports, press releases, brochures, flyers, letters, and other outreach materials. Other duties will include researching photos, obtaining permissions, and maintaining the Solidarity Center photo library. The Communications Officer will work closely with all departments and field offices and with outside vendors on print and other projects. This individual will help plan organizational events and may represent Solidarity Center at meetings and conferences in the U.S. and abroad with donors, partners, and other national and international public and private organizations.  Pending safe conditions, travel abroad may be required.

The Communications Officer will need to summarize large quantities of information about programs accurately, succinctly, and compellingly.  This individual prepares and exchanges information and coordinates the writing and editing of documents with other sections of the Solidarity Center.

Basic Qualifications:

• Technical skills in Drupal and/or WordPress to oversee the Solidarity Center’s website Experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, etc.)
• Thorough knowledge of global political, economic, and social justice issues
• Fluency in English with excellent communications skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments without supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to increase web traffic and reach new audiences, and monitor web analytics
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, political science, international relations, labor relations or a related field and/or ten years of related work experience
• Advanced word processing skills and basic spreadsheet and database skills
• Experience in writing material for the web
• Experience in page layout and design
• Willingness to travel as necessary (10-20% pending safe conditions)

Additional Job Requirements:

• At least five years of experience working in external communications, preferably for a labor rights, human rights or global nongovernmental organization
• Excellent writing, editing and proofing skills
• Ability to analyze data and understand and translate its connection to program and mission
• Proven ability to coordinate complicated projects and to communicate across an organization and with partners and consultants
• Experience initiating, contributing to, and producing communications assets (social media, visuals/videos, and publications such as research reports, fact sheets, blogs, news stories, etc.)
• Ability to thrive and be flexible in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Experience with developing budgets and monitoring expenses for programs, and managing vendor contracts
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Experience translating statistical and economic data into common language is a plus, as are photographic and/or video skills, along with familiarity with graphic design, photo editing, and publishing software. Proficiency in a second language is preferred but not required. Previous trade union experience and knowledge of labor issues is highly desirable.

Supervisor: Communications Director

Basic Duties:

• Oversee and update the Solidarity Center web site
• Conceptualize, develop, write, edit, ensure accuracy, and incorporate reviews of stories and information for the web site, outreach materials and other media and Solidarity Center publications
• Interview staff, union leaders, and experts on issues relevant to workers for the web site
• Maximize social media channels for greater outreach
• Coordinate development of Solidarity Center materials with staff
• Research, select, commission (when necessary), and manage rights to use photos/videos and maintain a photo library
• Draft proposals, budgets and reports as requested by supervisor
• Assist with production of reports and other documents as needed
• Travel as necessary
• Provide feedback to staff regarding draft materials to improve the quality of future submissions
• Work with program staff to develop flow of interesting information from the field to the AFL-CIO Now weblog and other vehicles for dissemination of information about Solidarity Center programs
• Write articles, reports and presentations for the Executive Director
• Do page layout and design for organizational brochures
• Edit outgoing correspondence as requested
• Select information from field reporting and synthesize for website or publication
• Write documents that require summarizing large quantities of information
• Exercise quality control function to ensure that all outgoing documents are well written, free of errors, and presented in a professional manner
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $83,000 USD. A robust benefits package includes excellent health and life insurance, a retirement plan/pension, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave.

For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO: Please be advised that we will inform the AFL-CIO when any of its current employees apply for positions with Solidarity Center. This notification is a matter of policy for all candidates, regardless of each individual’s qualifications and competitiveness for a specific opportunity.

The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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